The Brown family was one of the most prominent families of early Providence, Rhode Island. They were merchants, statesmen and community advocates who worked to better their city and their nation (although their involvement in the slave trade has been a horrendous blight upon the family name). John Brown and his brothers were instrumental in…
Lexington Battle Green
The first shots of the American Revolution rang out on Lexington Common in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775. Although years of tension and sporadic violence preceded this event, many consider the fight in Lexington as the beginning of the American Revolution (although loyal citizens of Concord will argue otherwise- an ongoing debate…
The Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill, which was primarily fought on nearby Breed’s Hill, was the first major head-to-head battle of the American Revolution. Today you can still visit the legendary site, which is now completely surrounded by the city of Charlestown. But despite the passage of time, historic Charlestown and Americans from near and far…
Providence Athenaeum
Despite the prevalence and normalcy of books in our society today, they have not always been accessible to the average American. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was usually only the well-educated and wealthy that owned books (a young Abraham Lincoln walked miles to borrow a book); therefore, communities often rallied together to create…
Trinity Church (Newport, RI)
Perhaps the most iconic image of a colonial townscape is the church spire that towers above the rest. As a symbol of the religion that early American communities often centered around, these churches served an important role in all aspects of the people’s lives. Trinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island is the quintessential New England…
The Mystery of the Newport Tower
Newport, Rhode Island is known for its history- from its vast collection of colonial homes to its role in early America, it has no shortage of historic sites. One of the more mysterious and intriguing historic structures in town is the Newport Tower (also known as the Touro Tower and the Old Stone Mill). The…
The Battle of Groton Heights
The Battle of Groton Heights was the last major military engagement fought in the northern theater of the Revolutionary War and the largest battle fought in Connecticut. But what really makes it such an important battle to study is due to the egregious actions taken by the British and that their commander was none other…
Redwood Library & Athenaeum (Newport, RI)
The quaint coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island has a beautiful and unique history, marked by some of the oldest institutions in America. In fact, Newport’s Redwood Library and Athenaeum is the oldest purpose-built lending library in the United States! This unassuming building exudes a rich literary, art and educational history that is cherished by…
Revolutionary War Fort Lee
Following the British evacuation of Boston, General George Washington and his army had no idea where the afloat British Army would land; however, the importance of New York was never in question. Washington moved his Army overland to occupy New York City and to fortify the American defenses along the crucial Hudson River. Today, you…
Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware
George Washington and his army’s daring crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Night in 1776 is perhaps one of the most famous events in American history. Children learn about the legendary crossing in grade school and certainly most Americans are familiar with Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze’s dramatic 1851 painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware. But while…
The Battle of Princeton
Following a visit to the Washington Crossing Historic Park, we made our way towards the historic town of Princeton, New Jersey (trying to follow the path Washington and his army would have marched). Known for the American victory against British regulars on January 3, 1777, the town possesses an unmatched pastoral charm while preserving history…
The Battle of White Plains
New York has witnessed many exciting and memorable moments in United States history. During the American Revolution in particular, New York and the Hudson River (known then as the “North River”), greatly influenced the strategy of both the American and British leadership and the outcome of the war (in fact, General Washington believed the key…
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, New York
Washington Irving’s 1820 short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” holds a special place in mainstream American fiction and folklore. Irving managed to capture the quintessential 18th-century American experience while providing children and adults alike with a spooky local legend that has since grown to international fame (thanks in part to Walt Disney’s 1949 animated…
The Tragic Tale of Major John André
Calling the tale of British Major John André “tragic” may seem entirely too sympathetic for a man who was working with the traitorous Benedict Arnold to undermine the American war effort; however, even after his capture and execution, many American officers and soldiers were believed to have felt pity for the well-liked gentleman. Alexander Hamilton…
The Battle of Stonington
The War of 1812 (fought from June 1812 to February 1815) seems to get lost amongst the subjects covered in American history classes. Having occurred between the American Revolution and the U.S. Civil War, it almost makes sense; however, the war had long lasting effects on our nation. From the plains of Canada, naval battles…